Position Type:
Animal Collections
Date Posted:
8/14/2026
Location:
Zoo Knoxville
Job Title: Nutrition Specialist
Department: Animal Care Date Written: 8/22/2024
Reports To: Nutritional Services Supervisor Status: Part time, Non-Exempt
Supervises: N/A Pay Rate (hourly): $15.00
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Zoo Knoxville is part of the largest conservation movement on the planet. Zoo Knoxville is home to approximately 1400 animals representing more than 180 species. Driven by our mission to inspire action for wildlife and wild places, we serve more than 500,000 annual visitors, provide educational outreach to tens of thousands of students, and directly support global species conservation. At its core, Zoo Knoxville values animal care and wellbeing and strives to provide a fun and educational environment that is inclusive and welcoming for all.
SUMMARY OF POSITION: This is a specialist position that reports directly to the supervisor. The nutrition specialist is responsible for a wide variety of tasks involving daily diet preparation and delivery for all animals, food procurement and stock management and the daily upkeep of the commissary. The individual must be able to carry out the position's duties as described below and comply with Zoo Knoxville policies and procedures as they appear in the Employee Handbook and departmental protocols.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
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As a member of the Animal Care Team, exemplify Zoo Knoxville's core values, demonstrate a commitment to growth for oneself, and provide the highest level of wellbeing for animals.
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Prepare all animal diets following the written dietary plan for each animal.
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Deliver food to animal habitats, as needed.
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Wash and disinfect all food buckets and containers, refilling when appropriate.
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Participate in food shopping at local stores, as needed.
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Harvest bamboo from the community twice monthly in all weather conditions.
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Maintain the feed room, ensuring stock is stored neatly, rotated and feed is in date.
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Maintain feed dates on all secondary containers.
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Maintain a clean workspace daily to prevent pest infestation.
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Collaborate with other departments to promote the zoo's mission by participating in keeper chats, area tours and media events.
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Assist supervisor in the training of new staff and volunteers with regards to animal diet preparation, cleaning tasks and general upkeep when requested.
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Assume any leadership duties in the absence of the supervisor, when requested.
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Participate in professional training and development opportunities provided, as directed by supervisor.
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Any other duties as requested by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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High school diploma or equivalent is required.
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Vehicle operation is required, and applicants must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license.
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Must be physically able to work in extreme temperatures (both inside and outside) and inclement weather conditions while walking, standing, lifting and performing tasks in an environment that requires repeatedly stooping, bending and climbing.
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Negative Tuberculosis test required for employment.
Don't meet every requirement? At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will require you to work in close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
